handler

noun

han·​dler ˈhan-dᵊl-ər 

ˈhan(d)-lər

1

: one that handles something

2

a

: a person in immediate physical charge of an animal

especially : a person who exhibits dogs at shows or field trials

b

: a person who trains or acts as second for a boxer

c

: a manager of a political or public figure or campaign

Examples of handler in a Sentence

a dog handler and breeder

a politician and his handlers

Recent Examples on the Web

Beach is a jack-of-all-trades AV and IT expert and also best friend to Conrad, while Elfman plays his handler and boss Woodrow. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Evergreen's principal and lead counselor both trained to become handlers after seeing the impact other Canine Companions had on students in the wake of last year's tragedy. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

In addition, Heat third-year guard Pelle Larsson has been working on becoming a better ball-handler in case he’s asked to play as a point guard. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

But years ago he was given some bad advice from his media-relations handlers to stop talking to the media. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler